Help, I need Ideas?

Question

I need a home for my 4 year old Lab. I want to build something outside on my deck temporarily for the winter to keep her warm.
This dog is huge 125lbs and is very hardy and likes the outdoors (water dog). She's just too big for inside my house and sheds a lot. When it gets below 20 degrees I'll bring her in.

I don't need smart as ses buzz off jerk

Don't answer if you don't know what your talking about. Labs are Ice water dogs from Norway. They were used to retrieve nets for fisherman. go back to school. Shes swims in my pond in the winter

Newfoundland, sorry

http://www.alllabs.com/labrador_retriever_history.htm

Answer 1

If you can afford it, it's easier to buy an 'igloo' shaped doghouse and line it with straw (thick) - be sure to buy one that is not too big, it needs to be compact to hold her body heat.

If you have to build one, a simple lean-to shape is best, with the front or the flat roof (or both if possible) facing south towards the most sunlight. two things to remember, measure how big an area she takes up when she sleeps, the house should be no more than a couple inches larger than that size
(the smaller the house the warmer it will be for her); and also,
don't leave the doorway open all the way to the roof, a cross- piece board closing off the top of the doorway will hold in heat. Line the inside walls and roof with blue hard foam insulation (it's like 12 bucks for a sheet from Lowes) and put about 8 - 12 inches of clean straw on the floor (it's better than a blanket because linen will hold moisture and freeze).
She may even be able to stay out all winter if the house if airtight and the doorway isn't too big. Finally, make sure the lean to roof sticks out over the doorway by at least 6 inches to keep rain and snow off the floor (a 2x4 or 2x6 across the step-in will help keep the straw in and water out).
My lab loves his and sleeps on the roof on warm days!

Answer 2

20 degrees is cold ...you do know that dogs have froze to death at that temp. If you really want the dog outside build a nice big doghouse and outfit it with a doggy door to keep the wind and wet off of her, then pack it full with hay. She will burrow into the hay and it will insulate her to keep her warm. If you keep her outdoors year-round now, while she is young,You are setting her up for a painful old age. expect her to have arthritis in a few years at which point you have to keep her inside year-round. Because that cold will settle into her joints. All indoor dogs shed. It sucks, but it is something you deal with when you have pets. Why don't you try brushing her and using the upholstery attachment on the vacuum to groom her with. all my dogs love it.(1German Shepherd, 1 Yellow lab., 1 Australian Shepherd) Do it every day and she will love it, the grooming and the attention. it is good quality time to spend caring for her needs. If she shows nothing but love, and that is Lab nature to do so, then show her the same.

Answer 3

I built a house on my deck for my golden retreiver once. And I was told it's best to build it just large enough for them to curl up in, if it's only for winter. Because they'll be curling up anyway, to keep warm. And the smaller the house, the more it will keep the warmer air inside it. A bigger one will be too breezy. And make the opening maybe not quite as high as the dog's head. More the height of its body, and let your dog lower his head to get in.

Of course there are many ways you might want to insulate such as mentioned by others. I used carpet material since my dog was about the same age and past the "chewing everything it sees" stage.

Answer 4

She sounds like a big girl!

It seems to me that there should be a lot of directions out there for building a dog house, and after you build it you should be able to just put a nice blanket or maybe some straw in it to help her stay warm. Take a look at DIY.Com: I think I saw a few projects like that on that channel.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Below 20 degrees you will bring her in? One would hope so, she is not a winter dog. Labs do not have a winter coat in any way shape or form. If you get her groomed on a regular basis that will seriously cut out the shed problem. I have a 180 dog in my house all year round and he is not too big. We give him plenty of outdoor time when we are home but 20 below is too cold for a lab. I am not trying to get onto you but please talk to your vet about the appropriate temprature.

Answer 6

They sell a dog house called an igloo you might want to check out before building. I don't know where you live climate wise. You may even want to get her a heated water dish. They also sell those reflective blankets to keep heat in that could be laid on the floor of the dog house.

Answer 7

the very terrific thank you to tutor him on is to marvel him. Make the circulate on him in an unusual region or putting. destroy any scheduling behavior you will have additionally. The extra you talk approximately it, he will probable advance uncomfortable. in case you play the feminist point of view...he won't be able to choose for it.

Answer 8

Just make a dog house for her you could even get some insulation for it but make sure its all sealed up you don't want her to get into it. I love making dog houses its fun lol neway she'll be warm and not in your house.

Answer 9

build a house with a doggy door on it so the animal will keep warm.

Answer 10

I believe they carry big dog houses and shipping is free
give them a look and see
http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-1586799-10435913